Chapter 585

In the morning, Susan arrived at the office, as swamped as ever.

She had a ton of projects to juggle, and in about a month, she'd need to prep for maternity leave, being over four months pregnant by then. So, this month was gonna be a whirlwind.

When she was busy, Susan didn't feel worn out; actually, she felt supercharged.

She'd always been a career girl. Originally, she planned to get pregnant a few years down the line, after climbing the career ladder to a director level. But, life's full of curveballs.

You can't have it all; there's always a trade-off.

For the baby, everything was worth it.

Susan touched her belly, a sweet smile spreading across her face, feeling even more pumped.

"Ms. Wilson, someone's here to see you," her assistant said, leading Candy in.

"Candy?" Susan stood up, surprised. "What are you doing here? Where's Grace?"

"I took a cab by myself," Candy replied.

"You're only three years old. Don't do such dangerous things again," Susan said, alarmed. If something happened, she'd be responsible.

"It's okay, Susan. I used to come to my daddy's office often. I won't get lost," Candy said with a grin.

"Sit down first, I'll get you some milk."

"No need. Susan, I'm here to apologize for my attitude yesterday."

Susan's heart softened, "It's okay." How could she hold a grudge against a kid?

"Susan, are you really pregnant? Is it my daddy's baby?"

"Of course."

"Is it a girl?"

"I don't know yet," Susan said softly, "It might be a boy, and you'll have another little brother."

"But if it's a girl, I won't be daddy's only daughter anymore, and he won't love me as much," Candy said, feeling down.

"You can't think like that. You'll always be your daddy's most beloved treasure. It won't change."

"You're lying. Daddy doesn't want me and mommy anymore. If there's a sister, he won't care about me even more. I don't want to be without daddy..." Candy started to cry.

"Don't cry, Candy. It's not like that," Susan quickly wiped her tears.

"No, it is like that. Susan, please leave my daddy and give him back to me, okay?" Candy pleaded, crying.

Susan's heart felt like it had been hit hard.

To her, these words were too hurtful, making her feel like a home-wrecking mistress.

"Candy..."

"I don't want to hear your comforting words, Susan. Please... I don't want to be without daddy... If you break up with my daddy, he'll come back to me and mommy."

"Candy, adult relationships are complicated. It's not as simple as you think," Susan sighed.

"Stop lying to me. It is like that. Please give my daddy back to me," Candy's tears kept falling, looking very pitiful, "Please..." She grabbed Susan's hand.

This scene reminded Susan of Grace, and suddenly a trace of annoyance grew in her heart. If she had known it would come to this, she wouldn't have pleaded for Grace back then.

"Candy, your daddy and I love each other very much. We're inseparable. Plus, you'll never be an outsider. We really want you to live with us, and I'll take good care of you."

Candy laughed bitterly, her little face all downcast, filled with despair, sadness and worry, "You guys are the real family, and I'm just the outsider. You don't mind me now, but you will in the future."

Susan then thought of May.

In her family, May was also the only one without a blood tie. Even if she didn't show it, she always had a grudge in her heart, eventually turning into a monster who hurt her sister.

Susan's heart suddenly clenched. Candy's situation was even more "awkward" than May's. Would Candy also...

She couldn't help but worry, 'Would it be best for Candy to stay with Grace?'

Susan began to doubt.

"Susan, will you really not give my daddy back to me?" Candy's eyes held the last glimmer of hope.

Susan's heart ached. She didn't want to make Candy sad, but she couldn't lie to her either. She and Caleb would not separate.

"I'm sorry, Candy..."

"Don't touch me! You're the bad woman who took my daddy away. I hate you!" Candy slapped Susan's hand away and bolted out of the office like an angry little beast.

"Candy..."

"I don't want to see you. Get out, you home-wrecking mistress."

"I hate you!" Candy's voice echoed through the office.

Everyone looked at Susan with astonished eyes, 'Susan, a mistress? The kid even came to confront her?'

"Candy..." Susan continued to follow her, "Let me take you home, okay, Candy?"

"I don't want you to take me. Don't follow me, mistress!" Candy rushed into the elevator, and Susan could only follow her in.

"Candy, listen to me. I can't let you go back alone; it's dangerous."

"You wish I was in danger so you could have my daddy all to yourself." Candy's eyes had turned cold and hateful, as if Susan were a heinous villain.

"Candy..."

The elevator door opened.

Susan steeled herself and grabbed Candy's arm, "I'm taking you home."

"I don't want to go with you. Let go of me!" Candy screamed and struggled, "Let go of me, you bad woman! You'll get your comeuppance! Let go!"

Many people stopped to watch the commotion.

"Candy..." Just as they exited the building, Grace hurried over.

"Mommy-" Candy bit Susan hard.

Susan winced and let go. It hurt. Her hand was bleeding.

"Candy, are you okay? I was so worried."

"Mommy, I'm fine..." Candy threw herself into Grace's arms, crying.

"How could you let her come here alone? Do you know how dangerous that is?" Susan frowned.

"I'm sorry. I didn't notice her. Candy ran out when I wasn't looking. I'm really sorry for the trouble," Grace apologized profusely.

Seeing Grace's apologetic demeanor, Susan felt even more annoyed. To Grace, it seemed fake.

"Don't be mean to my mommy!"

A suspicion suddenly crossed Susan's mind, and her face darkened, "Candy couldn't have come this far alone. It is you who brought her here."

"No, she sneaked out. I didn't notice," Grace said, looking wronged, "How could I bring her here? I'm really sorry, but you can't accuse me."

"How is it that every single time, you're accused, and behave in an innocent demeanor? Grace, I don't believe in so many coincidences! Since you appeared, things have gotten worse. I thought you had repented and even pleaded for you, and now I really regret it. I shouldn't have helped you! You're the snake in the farmer's story!" Susan accused angrily.